Page 45 of Asmodel

“Oh yes, I do!” Izzy exclaimed. “Where should we start? Oh.” She snapped her fingers. “I know! I’ll tell you a bit about me first…”

Asmodel’s clasp on her other hand firmed. His touch was sure but gentle. “Isabella,” he murmured, his voice low and enticing as he drew her closer.

His eyes locked on her with an intensity that sent a thrill through her.

“I know a deeper, more profound way we can get to know each other better.” He leaned in, his gaze smoldering with silent promise. “One that would erase all doubts between us. And what that would mean to each other. Tell me,alma gemela,are you brave enough to take an intimate journey with me?”

Intimate? Izzy’s stomach tightened low inside. She slowly blinked. An intimate what? Was he talking about sex? Right now? Here in a cave full of other people? Okay, not people, but still.

She frowned, shaking her head. “I know a lot of folks don’t have any problem jumping into bed with someone they just met, but myabuelataught me better than that.” She jerked out of his hands and scooted back. “Not that there’s anything wrong with that.” She cleared her throat. “Ah, for them.” She gave a wobbly, self-deprecating laugh, along with a careless wave of her hand. “But that’s just not me. I’m sorry I let you think…”

“Bella.”

She stopped moving at the stern, exasperated tone of Asmodel’s voice.

Her eyes widened at the hurt she saw there.

“I’m talking about you and me getting to know and trust each other first.” He ran a hand through the silky strands of his gleaming coffee-colored hair. “I can’t believe how bad I’m messing this up.”

“Sheesh, I could have told you that, organic man.”

For the first time, Izzy noticed JR13 sitting on Asmodel’s shoulder.

The spybot waved a foreleg. “You’d think you were born a month ago and not me.”

“JR13.” Asmodel rubbed his eyes with his thumb and forefinger. “You’re not helping.”

“Well, why don’t you just come out and explain to her how your psychic mojo works instead of dancing around the subject like a clueless idiot?”

Asmodel dropped his hand and gave his companion an exasperated glare. “Can’t you find someone else to harass?”

“Nope.” The bot folded his legs and made himself comfortable right where he was. “This is too good to pass up.”

Asmodel crossed his arms. “I’d like to have this conversation with Izzy in private.” He nodded to the spacious cave. “Why don’t you do some reconnaissance and see what you can find that might help us tomorrow?”

JR13 stomped his front forelegs. “Fine.” His iridescent wings came out. “But I’ll be back.” With a jump, he zoomed away from their small alcove.

Izzy watched the tiny bot fly away until she couldn’t see him anymore.

Turning to her companion, she grasped his hand. “Asmodel, what does he mean by psychic mojo? Does it have to do with you being able to turn into a dragon? Can you read minds as well?” She wasn’t sure about the mind-reading thing. What if he found out what a boring, bookworm homebody she was? Would he still want to get to know her?

Asmodel shrugged. “Yes, and no.” As he swallowed, his Adam’s apple bobbed. “What I was trying to offer you was a psyche merge.” He glanced at the open cavern as if to make sure JR13 was still out exploring. “The ability for us to join our minds to experience each other on a profound level.” He draped a panel of his hair behind his ear. “It’s not something I’ve ever done before, because I’ve never wanted to share myself like that with anyone.” His eyes softened, giving her a glimpse of the raw truth behind his gaze. “Except you.”

Izzy’s heart thudded at the sudden vulnerability in his eyes. She searched his face, the sound of her heart thundering in her ears. A sudden urge overcame her to grab him and never let go. She reached deep inside, and the decision was made. “I left Earth to find what you keep calling me—alma gemela—my soulmate. Why would I pass up the chance to explore that possibility with you?” She swallowed hard to clear her mouth before she committed herself. “I’d be honored to experience this psyche merge with you.”

Asmodel’s lips parted in a quiet exhale, as he visibly relaxed with a sheepish smile. “Yes, together.” He gestured to the nest of furs and linens. “Let’s lie down so we can get comfortable.”

Izzy nodded as he wrapped her in his muscular arms. Together, they faced each other, her back against the cave wall.

“Close your eyes, myalma gemela.”

She unwound at the sound of Asmodel’s mesmerizing voice.

“And let me in.”

Asmodel’s back teeth clenched until Izzy closed her eyes. He expelled a throaty sigh. Having her lie with him on the cozy fur helped create the soothing ambiance he looked for that allowed him to create a Dreamwalk with her.

“That’s it, Bella,” he whispered. “Let yourself relax while I create what’s called a Dreamwalk. It’s a gentle way for my mind to touch yours. To make it more comfortable for you, I’d like to take us to one of your favorite places. There I’ll share with you who I am. Would that be okay with you?”